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Difficult to put this into a short thread, but I'll try.
One of the greatest British bands, Joy Division, had only been professional for six months when their lead singer Ian Curtis took his own life aged 23 in 1980.
Devastated, the remaining members formed New Order.
One of the greatest British bands, Joy Division, had only been professional for six months when their lead singer Ian Curtis took his own life aged 23 in 1980.
Devastated, the remaining members formed New Order.
New Order enjoyed spectacular success in the eighties, most notably with Blue Monday — a dance song with a gothic feel. At the heart of their sound, as with Joy Division, was the bass guitar of Peter Hook.
Over the years, the first two albums by Joy Division — Unknown Pleasures and Closer, released after the death of Ian Curtis — became recognised for what they are: absolute classics of modern British music, defining moments in post-punk. The cover of Unknown Pleasures is iconic. 
If you want evidence that Joy Division are still relevant, just listen to this year's new album by the 1975, and the guitar riff on "Give Yourself a Try": open.spotify.com/track/4rmIfFUZ…
And then compare it to "Disorder" by Joy Division, featured here in a mashup with the Addams Family
But listening to Joy Division remains desperately sad as well as powerful, because you can tell that the singer was in a terrible mental state. I once interviewed the drummer who told me that after Curtis died, "we realised his lyrics were basically a suicide note."
The fact that JD were on the verge of huge fame — championed by John Peel and about to tour America — did not stop Ian taking his life. It is a lesson that mental illness, once it takes hold, is not ameliorated by your external circumstances, even by the success you have sought.
One of Ian's lines, "Here are the young men, the weight on their shoulders," may sum up how he felt about the band's oncoming fame.
Peter Hook has now orchestrated the JD songs with @MancCamerata. Last night he played them @RoyalAlbertHall. At the centre of the canon is the song 'Atmosphere,' where Curtis sings "Don't walk away in silence," and then a set of chimes are played where you expect a chorus.
Incredibly Peter asked me to play the chimes. I saw at least two blokes in the front row crying when this music was played. They are probably 54 like me, remembering how we found this stunning band in 1980, playing the opposite of pop — and how quickly they disappeared from view.
So this is from the Albert Hall last night. I may not have a more emotional moment in my life. I would like to thank @peterhook and all his team for making me so welcome.
Thanks @controlfreakdad for taking this picture.
And, in a way, thanks to the BBC listener who reminded me you can never say too much about this band.
And above all respect to @peterhook who still bangs the strings on his low-slung bass guitar like he's 25 years old.
And finally this:
